JOSEPH STILWELL

(1883-1946) "Vinegar Joe", American Army general who commanded all American forces in the China-Burma-India theater of World War II, a brilliant tactician and combat leader. Rare war-date A.L.S. "Joe" on Headquarters, Seventh Division letterhead, Fort Ord, May 8, 1941, to Col. Owen R. Meredith, a commander of the Presidio and Chief of Staff for the Ninth Corps. Meredith has sent Stilwell a check as payment to attend a function (included), made out to "Joseph W. Stilwell - Wizard of Ord", which Stilwell has marked void. He responds in his letter: "...Still pulling my leg, eh? Well, have a good time; I'm thinking that your lighter moments are perhaps limited in these days of stress... there may be some surprises in this show, it is entirely uncensored... I am assured, however, that the wizard is incognito... You are the only man on our list of guests who thought enough of the cause to enclose a check... Most of our guests were asked on account of their status; you were asked because we would be glad to have you serve with us in the 7th Division. We appreciate your offer but we can't take your money..." Very good. Meredith would remain in the States in a training role, while the 7th took heavy casualties engaging the Japanese Army in the Aleutians, Leyte and Okinawa.